This volume is the payoff that the entire series has really been setting us up for.
Every piece from every volume fits into this book. So when the major events happen, and boy do they happen, the impact from the journey we have been on with Emmy hit hard. Its a testament to Cullen Bunn's creativity, how he is able to set up all these different pieces just so for these moments. But not only is the build up fantastic, but the execution of this volume is as well. It was very hard to put this down as the pacing is excellent and the plot now is just falling into place bit by bit.
One of the things that has been explored is Emmy's inherent benevolence, which may be hiding her inherent malevolence. The suppression of her more darker aspect comes back directly upon her, as something that should have been taken care of permanently now returns for pure vengeance. Man, and the intensity of the pure hate and evil that Bunn writes for the villain, so good. I really felt for Emmy as panels illustrated just how hateful the villain is.
Speaking of, this is the best volume, art wise, by Tyler Crook. And that is saying a lot because just go look at the other volumes. They are freakin awesome and beautiful. But this volume steps it up with moments of high intensity action, beautiful and dark scenery, moments of pure emotion, and twisted and violent art that works so fuckin well in the book. I really hope Tyler Crook keeps this style of art going in whatever comes next for him, cause man, it deserves to be up there with any other great modern day artist.
This volume is a tour de force for two creators who invested a lot of storytelling into this book. If you have got this far and haven't read this volume, what are you doing reading this review? Go read it already!